Kouzmanoff, Rangers Beat Mariners 8-6

Summary of 2 articles · Updated Apr 18, 2014

Kevin Kouzmanoff delivered again, doubling twice and scoring two runs as the Texas Rangers beat Seattle Mariners 8-6 Thursday. Kouzmanoff has hit in all eight games in which he has played, beginning with a pinch-hitting appearance followed by seven straig… (more)ht starts. But over the past week, they’ve received some help from an unlikely source: Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, who’s back in the majors for the first time since 2011. The 32-year-old Kouzmanoff “The Crushin’ Russian” from his San Diego days lacks the All-Star resume and matinee idol good looks of former teammate and fellow comeback kid Grady Sizemore. His 6-for-13 tear with five extra-base hits helped the Rangers take three straight from the Mariners this week, lifting them above .500 for the first time since April 2: Robinson Cano homered for the Mariners. He's in a 3-for-18 slump. But with Adrian Beltre and Jurickson Profar both on the disabled list, he’s suddenly become an indispensable part of Texas’ infield, hitting a sizzling .414/.469/.690 through 32 plate appearances, with a team-high six extra-base hits.